Hematuria is defined as the presence of increased number of red blood cells (RBCs) in urine. Hematuria can either be microscopic or macroscopic. Macroscopic hematuria can be detected by naked eye. Although the incidence of hematuria is not very common in children, if it occurs, can be disturbing for both child and parents. This article covers the evaluation of macroscopic hematuria.
We will discuss the evaluation of microscopic hematuria in the next article. To chart out a proper evaluation plan, it is important to confirm the diagnosis of the presence of RBCs in the blood. Hematuria is suspected when there is reddish or brownish discoloration of urine. However, there are some other factors which also cause such discoloration such as: Drug or food pigments (rifampicin or beetroots) Excreted metabolites due to other clinical conditions such as porphyria Free hemoglobin or myoglobin There…
